EPK The Electronic Press Kit
If you are working in the entertainment industry as a comedian... having an up to date press kit is a must. It helps the bookers and media outlets have all your pertinent information in one easy place.
A press kit contains your pictures, a brief history of your life or who you are, work experience, future events and most important your contact information.
Even stand-up comedians need to prepare a press kit. When you are first starting out comedians can’t afford to hire a publicist to create your press kit. You still will need to get your information out there so you can get your kit to the right hands.
Here is information and materials you will need.
Start with some headshots of yourself. Work with a good photographer to get the best pictures. Remember that the pictures you include in your kit may end up being published in magazines and newspapers, so choose wisely. Invest in a good photographer since these pictures may even come back to haunt you.
Even if you’re a comedian, you want to look presentable. Label the pictures with your name and contact info.
Include a brief history of your life. Put accurate information, you don’t need to make it too detailed. Write a little bit about what inspired you to enter the business. You can also include where you get your source material.
Keep it upbeat. As a stand up comic, you have the leeway to narrate your life story in a humorous light. Leave out tragic details of your life and your hard early life experiences. As a stand up, you should have some writing skills so there shouldn’t be a need to get a professional copywriter to do your blurbs.
Write in some of your past work and other places you have performed. Include any TV appearances and other cameos. If you are new to the business and have no credentials whatsoever, you can just write about your previous employment history.
List shows and performances, the cities you work as well as past venues. This lets the booker know where you will travel to, who has had you on their stage.
A good idea is to list your topic categories; some promoters may have a theme show and may be looking to book a comedian who tells joke about a particular subject matter.
Include your contact information. In case an agent/promoter or even reporter wants to get in touch with you, give either your number or your agent’s contact information.
Make sure the information in your press kit is updated regularly. Put a link to the Press Kit on your card and Website.